5 Greatest Adelaide Tests between India and Australia

#2 2003 (India won by four wickets)

Rahul Dravid stood out in Adelaide despite being surrounded by great batsmen

This time India pulled off the fourth innings chase, as they had come so close to doing in Adelaide twice before.

The 2003/04 series was a run fest. The pitches favored the batsmen, and the quality of batsmen was immense on both sides. The first Test in Brisbane had ended in a draw, but there were positive signs for India, as the visitors had taken a first innings lead of 86.

Yet the way the Adelaide Test started was anything but positive for India. Australia piled on 556 as Ricky Ponting led the way with a brilliant 242.

Anil Kumble was the only bowler who ended the innings with respectable figures, as he took 5/154 and ensured Australia's innings ended before they could declare.

India needed something special in reply, and they seemingly resurrected the spirit of the incredible 2001 Test in Kolkata, as Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman linked up to share a 303-run partnership.

Their batting positions reversed from what they shared in 2001, as this time it was Dravid who made the double-century, scoring 233, while Laxman scored 148.

India ended up almost equaling Australia's first innings score, eventually being all out for 523.

At this point, most spectators probably thought the match would be a draw. Though even then it was Australia who had the advantage, having a small lead, and also having the knowledge that India would have to bat last on the increasingly spin-friendly wicket.

What they didn't account for, however, was an incredible swing bowling display by Ajit Agarkar.

By this stage in his career, Agarkar had played 17 Tests, but had never taken more than three wickets in an innings. But something seemed to click for Agarkar in Adelaide, as he doubled his previous best by taking 6/41.

Australia had probably felt it important to weather out Kumble's bowling, but they fell for 196 despite Kumble only taking one wicket.

India still had 233 to chase though, and the pitch was now on Australia's side. But more importantly, Dravid was on India's.

Dravid backed up his brilliance in the first innings with an unbeaten 72 in the second, to see India home. This win was their first in Adelaide, despite how close they had come in earlier games. It also gave them the series lead, as they would eventually draw the series 1-1 to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.